WELCOME

Welcome to the nonprofit organization, the Southern Police
Institute Alumni Association (SPIAA) - the association for graduates of
the Southern Police Institute. We offer SPIAA members opportunities in
training and re-training, access to law enforcement data, materials, and
information relevant to today's law enforcement environment. One of our
most critical training opportunities for law enforcement is our annual
training conference. Focusing on leadership in today's global policing
environment, law enforcement officials from everywhere, both members and
non-members, join us for a
week of advanced quality training, peer networking, and our outreach and
social programs. One of the most significant assets of the
Southern Police Institute is the Southern Police Institute Alumni
Association. Created during 1951 by graduates, the association has grown
into one of the most active alumni groups at the University of
Louisville.

The Southern Police Institute (SPI)
is a division of the Department of Justice Administration,
College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisville. It is an
advanced education and training institute whose mission is to
enhance the professional development of law enforcement
practitioners. This mission is accomplished by providing
educational and career development programs that are designed to
challenge and to prepare law enforcement practitioners for the
demands of today and tomorrow. The Southern Police Institute
consistently is ranked among the top law enforcement educational
and training schools in the nation. Since the creation of the
Southern Police Institute in 1951, its program of instruction
has been grounded in the belief that law enforcement is a
demanding activity requiring the highest level of professional
preparation. The Southern Police Institute was established by
its founders to provide a place where that preparation can be
undertaken. The faculty and staff dedicate themselves to this
mission and continue to maintain the standards of excellence
established by the founders. They are uniquely qualified as
researchers, consultants, teachers and former law enforcement
practitioners to guide and to direct the educational needs of
today's law enforcement professionals.

Graduates of the SPI are looked upon as knowledgeable
professionals in law enforcement fields. Membership in the
prestigious SPIAA shows continuing interest in your
professional career and your dedication to professional self-development.

The
Executive Board of the SPIAA welcomes you to explore the
website using navigation links at the top and the left of
each web page.

LETTER
FROM THE PRESIDENT

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a pleasure and privilege that I begin my term as the
President of the Southern Police Institute
Alumni Association. Congratulations to the new SPIAA Executive
Board; 1st Vice President Shon Barnes,
2 nd Vice President Keith Kirchhoff, 3 rd Vice President Kurt
Boshart, Treasurer Cheryl Curtis, and Secretary
William Willhoite. Congratulations to our new Immediate Past
President Chris Summers for a well-run
conference at San Destin Resort and his excellent leadership. Of
course much thanks to the support of
our Board Advisors, Col. Cindy Shain and Dr. Gennaro Vito.

Although I am extremely excited about the upcoming year I feel
it is necessary to reflect on the past two
weeks and the tragedy that has befallen the cities of Dallas,
Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The murders of eight officers and wounding of another eight is a
terrible loss. The loss to these two
communities has been felt across the nation. The effect of these
murders on law enforcement has likewise rippled through the law
enforcement community. Agencies are altering their staffing,
purchasing arms, and body armor but the real affect has yet to
be measured.

We of the SPIAA must recognize these events and the state of the
communities we serve. In addition we must take care of the men
and women we lead. Striking the balance will be key as many are
on edge. Let us resolve to continue to reach out to our
communities forming partnerships and providing transparency. We
must also resolve to stay the course and continue to utilize
research based practices learned through the Southern Police
Institute.

We do know one thing, however tragic these events are, we will
continue to answer the calls.